Push button latch mechanism

ABSTRACT

A latch mechanism of the push button type in which a separate associated casing contains a reciprocably mounted bolt normally spring urged to an extended latching position, and to a nonlatching position by a pressure plate having its opposite ends engaged with separate cam ramps spaced apart axially of the bolt, the casing having longitudinally extending slotted side flanges permitting adjustable positioning of the casing on one surface of a door. An associated push button assembly is mounted on the opposite surface of the door and includes a mounting bracket either in the form of an escutcheon plate or alternatively a pull knob, a push button being centrally positioned in either case and guided together with a connected push rod having an end operatively bearing against the pressure plate. When a pull knob is used, the bolt is preferably operably associated with a conventional keeper, while in those arrangements where a push button only is utilized, the keeper is provided with a spring urged pusher which engages with the back surface of the closed door, whereby to automatically urge the door to a slightly ajar position, when the bolt is released.

United States Patent 1 Swartz 1 June 5, 1973 [54] PUSH BUTTON LATCHMECHANISM Dorian J. Swartz, Yorba Linda, Calif.

[73] Assignee: Hyer Hardware Mfg. Co., Anaheim,

Calif.

[22] Filed: June 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 153,673

[75] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl. ..292/l70, 292/140, 292/336.3,

3,560,037 2/1971 Cram ..292/170 2,905,493 9/1959 Tocchetto t ..292/1702,848,886 8/1958 Varrin et al. ..292/170 1,479,398 1/1924 Ollard...292/DIG. 72 3,550,412 12/1970 Pitel et al. ..70/461 PrimaryExaminerMarvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. StaabAtt0meyPaul A. Weilein [57] ABSTRACT A latch mechanism of the pushbutton type in which a separate associated casing contains areciprocably mounted bolt normally spring urged to an extended latchingposition, and to a non-latching position by a pressure plate having itsopposite ends engaged with separate cam ramps spaced apart axially ofthe bolt, the casing having longitudinally extending slotted sideflanges permitting adjustable positioning of the casing on one surfaceof a door. An associated push button assembly is mounted on the oppositesurface of the door and includes a mounting bracket either in the formof an escutcheon plate or alternatively a pull knob, a push button beingcentrally positioned in either case and guided together with a connectedpush rod having an end operatively bearing against the pressure plate.When a pull knob is used, the bolt is preferably operably associatedwith a conventional keeper, while in those arrangements where a pushbutton only is utilized, the keeper is provided with a spring urgedpusher which engages with the back surface of the closed door, wherebyto automatically urge the door to a slightly ajar position, when thebolt is released.

17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 1 PUSH BUTTON LATCH MECHANISM BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to door latches.

Heretofore, it has been known generally to provide door latching devicesin which a reciprocably mounted bolt is operable from a latchingposition into which it is normally spring urged, to a nonlatchingposition by means of a depressible push button acting through a cammingconnection with the bolt. Latching devices of the above known type areexemplified by the structure shown in U.S. Letters Patent No. 1,287,973.

Consideration of the structure disclosed in the above noted patent, aswell as other known arrangements of this general disclosed typeindicates that there are a number of common characteristics in theseknown structures, which may be briefly noted as follows:

a. The bolt and push button elements are assembled in a fixednonvariable relationship.

b. The ramp surfaces of the camming mechanism are provided as a fixedlyconnected part of the push button assembly.

c. The door frame must be cut out or mortised in order to receive thelatch casing.

From the above, it is clearly evident that latches of the typeexemplified by the noted U. S. patent embody structures which areobviously inflexible and unvariable in their installation possibilities.

In its broad concept, the present invention proposes to overcome theinherent disadvantages of the known arrangements and provide a uniquelatching mechanism wherein the bolt assembly and push button assemblyare formed as separate structures which can be operatively combinedalong with ancillary components with a high degree of flexibility and ina manner permitting a decorator or builder, at his discretion, to varyand change the mounting in order to obtain a number of differentaesthetic effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally tolatch mechanisms for closures, and is more particularly concerned with aunique arrangement of parts which permits fabrication of the bolt andpush button components into separate assemblies which can be combined ina simple manner without having to adhere to close mounting tolerances.

It is one object of the herein described invention to provide a latchingmechanism in which the bolt assembly is a separate structure from thatof the actuator assembly, and wherein the actuator assembly is such thata plurality of knob styles may be utilized to provide greater designflexibility.

A further object is to provide in a latching mechanism of the pushbutton type, a longitudinally adjustable bolt casing, which may beadjusted without affecting the operative association and operation ofthe bolt by means of the push button actuator. To this end, theinterconnection between the bolt and push button actuator is such thatthe actuator assembly may be located to effect a desired appearance instyling, rather than having to adhere to a single invariable dimensionfrom the strike of the keeper.

A further object is to provide a latching mechanism of the characterdescribed which utilizes a minimum number of component parts which areoperatively associated in a manner which assures operational reliabilityand low cost.

Another object is to provide a unique bolt assembly in which the partsare preassembled, ready for installation, the design of the parts beingsuch that once assembled they will not fall out during transit. I

Still another object is to provide unique mounting means for the pushbutton which may provide an escutcheon plate, or in the alternative apull knob, the mounting means providing for two connecting screws forretaining the bolt assembly in position on the door, thus permitting useon hollow core doors as well as doors of solid construction. To thisend, the arrangement utilizes a unique three-hole mounting concept.

Yet another object is to incorporate with latching means of the presentinvention a conventional keeper in the case of latching mechanismsutilizing a door pull, while permitting also utilization of the latchingmeans with a strike having a spring loaded pusher arranged to actdirectly against the back of a door to prevent rattle, and provide anopening force which will move the door slightly ajar when the latchactuating push button is depressed.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out inthe following part of the specification, wherein detailed description isfor the purpose of fully disclosing several embodiments of the inventionwithout placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the accompanying drawingswhich are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary composite perspective view of a latch mechanismaccording to the present invention, and an associated keeper, portionsbeing cut away to show the operative relationship between the pushbutton assembly and associated bolt assembly;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view with the door in closed position and the boltin latching position with respect to the keeper, taken substantially online 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2, except that thebolt is shown in retracted unlatched position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on line 5-5 of FIG.2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, similar to FIG. 2 of a modified arrangementin which a spring loaded keeper operates to automatically move the doorajar, when the latch mechanism is released;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the keeper, as utilized with thearrangement in FIG. 6, portions being cut away to disclose internalelements; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view through the keeper, taken substantially online 88 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS Referring more specifically tothe drawings, for illustrative purposes, the invention is shown in oneform in FIG. 1 as comprising a latch mechanism as generally indicated atA carried by a door or closure member 10 and an operatively associatedkeeper as generally indicated at B carried by ajamb or frame member 11.It is a feature of the present invention that the latch mechanism isfabricated into two separate assemblies, one of these assemblies being abolt assembly 12, and the other being a push button assembly 13.

The bolt assembly comprises an elongate hollow casing 14 preferably of amolded or otherwise formed suitable material such as one of theavailable plastics. Internally, the casing provides a bolt cavity 15which is closed at one end by an end wall 16 and at its opposite end bywall 17 containing an opening 18. On the outer side of the casing, thebolt cavity is-closed by a wall 19. The inner side of the cavitycommunicates with an elongate slot opening 20 which is formed in a backwall 21, this wall being laterally extended at the opposite sides of thecasing to provide mounting flanges 22 and 23 respectively. Each mountingflange is formed with a longitudinally extending slot 24 which permitsadjustment of the mounting position of the casing 14 on an adjacent faceof the door as will hereinafter be explained in detail.

The bolt assembly 12 is preassembled as a separate unit having anelongate bolt member 25 positioned in the bolt cavity for reciprocablemovement therein. The bolt has its outer end normally projecting throughthe opening 18. At its innermost end the bolt member is constructed withan axially projecting shank 26 which is adapted to extend into one endof a compression spring 27, the other end of this spring bearing againstthe end wall 16 of the casing. As thus arranged, the bolt member 25 isnormally urged by the spring to an extended latching position, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2.

The bolt 25 may be constructed of any suitable material, but ispreferably constructed of a suitable plastic which can be molded toprovide a pair of axially spaced recesses 28 and 29 respectively at theopposite ends of the bolt. These recesses are internally provided withinclined camming ramp surfaces 30 and 31, respectively.

The bolt is of substantially square section and has outer and inner wallfaces 32 and 33, and right-angled opposed faces 34 and 35, as shown inFIG. 1. Intermediate the recesses 28 and 29, the bolt is constructedwith an elongate recess 36, as shown in FIG. 2. This recess opensoutwardly into the bolt face 32, and into the bolt face 35. The back ofthe recess is closed by a partition wall 37. The recess 36 on the sideadjacent the bolt face 34 is closed by a thin wall 38.

As will be seen in FIG. 2, the recesses 28 and 29 are in a similarmanner closed by thin wall portions 38' and 38". These recesses alsoopen into the bolt faces 33 and 35. As will be seen in FIG. 2, thepartition wall 37 is slightly inwardly spaced from the bolt face 33 soas to provide a small longitudinally extending ridge portion 39. I

The preassembled bolt assembly also includes an elongate pressure plate40, constructed of a suitable metal, which is deformed to provide aright-angled longitudinally extending flange 41 along one side of theplate, this flange at its edge having an offset portion 41 (FIG. 5)adapted to latch over the edge of the partition wall 37 and thus retainthe pressure plate in an assembled position. The pressure plate 40 isalso constructed with deflected right-angled end flanges 42 and 43,respectively. The innermost end of each end flange is preferablyterminated in an outwardly turned lip 44 having bearing relation withthe adjacent camming ramp surface 30 or 31. As thus arranged, the lips44, 44 act to retain the pressure plate in operative position, and withthe associated end flanges 42 and 43 serving to guide the pressure plateduring movements towards and away from the associated bolt 25, as wellas restrain endwise movements of the pressure plate by virtue ofengaging adjacent portions of the casing structure. The movement of thepressure plate 40 in a direction towards the bolt acts through the rampsurfaces to cam the bolt 25 from a latching position as shown in FIG. 2against the force of spring 27 into an unlatched position as shown inFIG. 4. Upon release of the pressure plate, the spring 27 acts to returnthe bolt to its extended latching position. Outward movement of the bolt25 is terminated and limited due to the engagement of the lip 44 of theend flange 43 against an abutment shoulder 45 at the entrance opening ofthe recess 29. With the component parts of the bolt assembly mounted intheir operative positions, the construction of these parts is such thatthe parts will not tend to become dislodged and will be retained inassembled position while the units are being handled and will not becomedisplaced or dislodged.

The push button assembly 13, as shown in the arrangement of FIG. 1,comprises a mounting bracket, as generally indicated at 46, this brackethaving a disc-like body 47 with diametrically positioned spaced apartrearwardly extending internally threaded tubular-like leg portions 48-48(FIG. 3). At its center, the body 47 has a passage 49 for guidinglysupporting a push rod 50 therein for reciprocal movement. The push rod50 is provided with abutment projections 51 which are adapted to engagethe inner surface of the body 47 and limit outward movement of the pushrod.

In order to mount the bolt assembly 12 and the push button assembly 13on the door 10, it is only necessary to predrill three aligned holes, acentral hole 52 to receive the inner end of the push rod 50, anddiametrically outwardlyspaced holes 53-53 to respectively receive theleg portions 48-48. The location of these three holes is not criticaland may be varied within the limits of travel as dictated by the slots24-24 on the mounting flanges 22 and 23 of the casing 14. The manner ofmounting the bracket 46 and bolt assembly 12 is clearly indicated inFIG. 3. With the bracket legs 48-48 positioned in the openings 53-53, itis only necessary to secure the bolt assembly by means of mountingscrews 54-54 positioned in the slots 24-24. These slots permitlongitudinal adjustment of the casing 14 to bring the projecting end ofthe bolt member 25 into a proper position for engaging with the keeperB, when the door is in closed position. In order to minimize stresses onthe bolt 25, the end of the easing 14 adjacent the keeper B may besecured further by suitable wood screws 55-55 mounted in appropriateopenings in the mounting flanges 22 and 23.

The mounting bracket 46 as thus far described basically embodies astructure which is readily incorporated, by slight modification, toprovide a multiplicity of pull knobs having different design features orescutcheon plates. As shown in FIG. 1, a pull knob 56 is fabricated onthe basic mounting bracket structure by interengaging the inner end of atubular shank 57 of the knob over a protruding central neck portion 58(FIG. 3) formed on the mounting bracket. As thus arranged, the outer endof the push rod 50 extends through the tubular shank 57 and is connectedto a push button 59 having sliding engagement with the inner wall of thetubular shank. Conveniently operable means are thus provided foractuating the bolt 25 to its unlatched position simply by depressing thepush button 59, and with the fingers of the same hand engaging the pullknob 56, the unlatched door may be readily swung to an open position.Swinging movement of the door is terminated at a proper closed positionfor latching by means of a ledge 60 adapted to overlie and abut theframe 11 in the closed position of the door.

In FIG. 6 there is shown a modified mounting bracket in which the bodyis contoured to provide an escutcheon plate 47 having a central recess61 which operably mounts the push button 59 in a manner similar to thatof the pull knob structure previously described. In the absence of apull knob, however, it is desirable to provide other means for at leastinitially moving the door to a slightly open position when the latchbolt is released. This may be accomplished by providing a modifiedkeeper construction as shown generally at B.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the modified keeper comprises a hollowhousing 62 which is arranged with mounting side lugs 6363 havingappropriate openings for receiving fastening screws 64-64 by means ofwhich the housing may be secured to the adjacent edge of the frame 11.The housing 62 defines an open sided cavity 65 which extends forwardlyof a back wall 66 and is adapted to receive therein a pusher bar 67. Thebar 67 is fabricated with end legs 6868 which extend through appropriateopenings in the back wall 66 and are provided with deflected end lips6969 respectively which serve to limit outward movement of the pusherbar 67 under the force of a compression spring 70 interposed between thebar and the back wall 66.

Referring to FIG. 6, it will be seen that in the closed position of thedoor, the inner face of the door will engage and depress the pusher bar67 against the force of spring 70, and that in the fully closed positionof the door the bolt 25 will latchingly engage a strike 71 projectingfrom the adjacent side of the housing 62. It will now be apparent thatwhen the push button 59 is depressed, the bolt 25 will be motivated toits unlatched position, wherein it will be released with respect to thestrike 71. The spring 70 then urges the door to a slightly ajar positionas shown in phantom lines in FIG. 6 so that the ledge 60 may be engagedby the fingers to pull the door to a more fully open position.

From the foregoing description and drawings, it will be clearly evidentthat the delineated objects and features of the invention will beaccomplished.

Various modifications may suggest themselves to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention and, hence,it is not wished to restrict it to the specific forms shown or usesmentioned, except to the extent indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A latching mechanism, comprising:

a. a hollow casing,

b. a latch bolt reciprocably mounted in said casing for movement to anextended latching position and a retracted nonlatching position withrespect to an associated keeper;

c. means normally urging said bolt towards the latching position;

d. laterally extending manually operable actuating means including areciprocable member; and

e. camming means interposed between said bolt and said member operableto move the bolt towards the nonlatching position against the action ofsaid urging means, when said member is depressed, said camming meansincluding two inclined ramp surfaces spaced apart longitudinally of saidbolt, and a pressure applying member engaged by said reciprocablemember, said pressure applying member having spaced parts positioned onopposite sides of said reciprocable member respectively bearing againstsaid ramp surfaces.

2. A latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said pressureapplying member comprises an elongate pressure plate extending at rightangles to and being engaged by the inner end of said reciprocablemember, said spaced parts comprising end flanges formed at the oppositeends of said pressure plate.

3. A latching mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the casing has aback wall with an elongate slot opening into the casing interior, and inwhich said end flanges are in guiding relation during movements of thepressure plate towards and away from said bolt.

4. A latching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein said end flangesfurther operate to restrain said pressure plate against relative axialmovement in said casing.

5. A latching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein said pressureplate and said bolt have overlap ping side portions.

6. A latching mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said overlappingside portions include a side flange on said pressure plate and a sidewall of said bolt.

7. A latching mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said casing isprovided with side flanges respectively having a slot extendinglongitudinally of the casing, said slots each being adapted to receive amounting screw, whereby the mounted portion of the casing on a doorsurface is longitudinally adjustable, along with the relative positionof the inner end of said reciprocable member on said pressure plate.

8. A latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocablemember is operatively connected with a push button.

9. A latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the casing, latchbolt and camming means comprise an assembly adapted to be mounted on oneface of a closure member, and the actuating means comprises a separateassembly adapted to be mounted on an opposite face of the closuremember, and including means interconnecting said assemblies having partsrelatively adjustable to vary the mounted position of the firstmentioned assembly.

10. A latching mechanism according to claim 9, wherein said casing hasslotted side flanges, and the actuating means assembly includes amounting bracket having a pair of spaced internally threaded legportions for receiving threaded screws respectively positioned in theslots of said side flanges.

11. A latching mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said mountingbracket includes a body formed as an escutcheon plate having a recesstherein, and a push button operably mounted in said recess, said pushbutton being connected to said reciprocable member.

12. A latching mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said mountingbracket includes a body member, a pull knob connected with said bodymember and having a recess therein, and a push button operably mountedin said recess, said push button being connected to said reciprocablemember.

13. A latching mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the associatedkeeper includes a spring urged member operable to automatically move theclosure member to an initial open position, when the push button isdepressed to release said latch bolt.

14. As an article of manufacture, a latch bolt assembly, comprising: I

a. an elongate hollow casing having a back wall laterally extended toprovide mounting flanges, said flanges respectively having alongitudinally extending slot;

b. an elongate latch bolt reciprocably mounted in said casing with anend normally projecting through an end opening in said casing to alatching position;

c. spring means normally urging the bolt towards said latching position;

d. an elongate pressure plate positioned in an elongate slot opening inthe back wall of said casing, said plate being supported for lateralmovements towards and away from said latch bolt; and

in spaced apart parallel relation, said legs being tubular and havinginternal threads for engaging threads of a mounting screw; and whereinsaid reciprocable member includes a push button positioned in saidrecess.

16. A latching mechanism according to claim 15, wherein said bodystructure comprises an escutcheori plate.

17. A latching mechanism according to claim 15,

wherein said body structure comprises a pull knob.

1. A latching mechanism, comprising: a. a hollow casing, b. a latch boltreciprocably mounted in said casing for movement to an extended latchingposition and a retracted nonlatching position with respect to anassociated keeper; c. means normally urging said bolt towards thelatching position; d. laterally extending manually operable actuatingmeans including a reciprocable member; and e. camming means interposedbetween said bolt and said member operable to move the bolt towards thenonlatching position against the action of said urging means, when saidmember is depressed, said camming means including two inclined rampsurfaces spaced apart longitudinally of said bolt, and a pressureapplying member engaged by said reciprocable member, said pressureapplying member having spaced parts positioned on opposite sides of saidreciprocable member respectively bearing against said ramp surfaces. 2.A latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said pressureapplying member comprises an elongate pressure plate extending at rightangles to and being engaged by the inner end of said reciprocablemember, said spaced parts comprising end flanges formed at the oppositeends of said pressure plate.
 3. A latching mechanism according to claim2, wherein the casing has a back wall with an elongate slot opening intothe casing interior, and in which said end flanges are in guidingrelation during movements of the pressure plate towards and away fromsaid bolt.
 4. A latching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein saidend flanges further operate to restrain said pressure plate againstrelative axial movement in said casing.
 5. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 3, wherein said pressure plate and said bolt haveoverlapping side portions.
 6. A latching mechanism according to claim 5,wherein said overlapping side portions include a side flange on saidpressure plate and a side wall of said bolt.
 7. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 2, wherein said casing is provided with side flangesrespectively having a slot extending longitudinally of the casing, saidslots each being adapted to receive a mounting screw, whereby themounted portion of the casing on a door surface is longitudinallyadjustable, along with the relative position of the inner end of saidreciprocable member on said pressure plate.
 8. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 1, wherein the reciprocable member is operativelyconnected with a push button.
 9. A latching mechanism according to claim1, wherein the casing, latch bolt and camming means comprise an assemblyadapted to be mounted on one face of a closure member, and the actuatingmeans comprises a separate assembly adapted to be mounted on an oppositeface of the closure member, and including means interconnecting saidassemblies having parts relatively adjustable to vary the mountedposition of the first mentioned assembly.
 10. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 9, wherein said casing has slotted side flanges, andthe actuating means assembly includes a mounting bracket having a pairof spaced internally threaded leg portions for receiving threaded screwsrespectively positioned in the slots of said side flanges.
 11. Alatching mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said mounting bracketincludes a body formed as an escutcheon plate having a recess therein,and a push button operably mounted in said recess, said push buttonbeing connected to said reciprocable member.
 12. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 10, wherein said mounting bracket includes a bodymember, a pull knob connected with said body member and having a recesstherein, and a push button operably mounted in said recess, said pushbutton being connected to said reciprocable member.
 13. A latchingmechanism according to claim 11, wherein the associated keeper includesa spring urged member operable to automatically move the closure memberto an initial open position, when the push button is depressed torelease said latch bolt.
 14. As an article of manufacture, a latch boltassembly, comprising: a. an elongate hollow casing having a back walllaterally extended to provide mounting flanges, said flangesrespectively having a longitudinally extending slot; b. an elongatelatch bolt reciprocably mounted in said casing with an end normallyprojecting through an end opening in said casing to a latching position;c. spring means normally urging the bolt towards said latching position;d. an elongate pressure plate positioned in an elongate slot opening inthe back wall of said casing, said plate being supported for lateralmovements towards and away from said latch bolt; and e. camming meansinterposed between said pressure plate and said bolt operative to movesaid bolt from said latching position against the action of said springto a retracted nonlatching position, when said pressure plate is movedin a direction towards said latch bolt.
 15. A latching mechanismaccording to claim 1, including a latch operating push button assembly,comprising: a body structure having a central recess; a pair of legsprojecting from one side of said body structure in spaced apart parallelrelation, said legs being tubular and having internal threads forengaging threads of a mounting screw; and wherein said reciprocablemember includes a push button positioned in said recess.
 16. A latchingmechanism according to claim 15, wherein said body structure comprisesan escutcheon plate.
 17. A latching mechanism according to claim 15,wherein said body structure comprises a pull knob.